TVs

Find Ratings

What's behind our TV Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 185 models in TVs to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score

Based on HD picture quality, sound quality, 3D performance (when feature is present), viewing angle, motion blur performance, ease of use, versatility, and power consumption. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.

Display type (Backlight)

Display technology type, and TV resolution format. Display technology types include LCD ( with LED backlight, or CCFL -- when LED is not listed), Plasma, or OLED. TV resolution formats include HDTV, and Ultra HD.

Screen size

The size of the television's screen, measured diagonally in inches.

HD picture quality

Based on objective tests and subjective evaluations by expert testers after TV is adjusted using standard picture controls to achieve the highest-fidelity image possible. Tested image attributes include detail, color accuracy, and contrast, using signals from a Blu-ray player, cable box, and professional broadcast equipment and meters. All signals are routed through an HDMI input.

3D performance

Evaluation of the TV's ability to reproduce realistic 3D images. For effective 3D, images should be bright and maintain full resolution, free of ghosting (also known as crosstalk, or when double images are visible even when wearing 3D glasses), and the viewing angle issues that are specific to the 3D mode.

Viewing angle

Evaluation of picture quality for clarity and color accuracy at various horizontal and vertical viewing angles, typically a challenge for LCD TVs.
Excellent = Unlimited, Very Good = Wide, Good = Moderate, Fair = Narrow, and Poor = Very Narrow

Motion blur

Evaluation of how well the display can present a blur-free image during motion scenes. TVs with a 120Hz, or 240Hz frame rate feature generally perform better than TVs with a 60Hz frame rate. However, if the blur reduction feature also invokes a "smooth motion" effect, the feature will be turned off for our test.

Sound quality

Measured from the set's built-in speakers using computer-driven test equipment, with additional subjective testing by a listening panel. In our judgments we listen for overall clarity of sound, depth of bass, effective volume level, and audible distortion, for dialogue, music, and movie soundtrack content.

First time setup

How easy it is to setup the product out of the box.

Everyday use

How easy it is to use on a daily or regular basis.

Versatility

Indicates features that increase a TV's utility or capabilities. These include 3D capability, access to the Internet (streaming services and/or Web browsing), number of HD and USB inputs, support for various media, and other useful features.

Energy cost/yr.

Estimated cost per year in dollars, calculated for 5 hours a day turned on and 19 hours in the off (standby) mode, based on the current year's national average electricity rate. Your usage and local rates will affect your costs. Note that the energy scores are for a TV optimized for the best picture quality, not using any energy-saving technology included in the set.

As new technologies take over, they present consumers with a number of evolving television choices. From LCD and plasma to LED and OLED TVs, and to front-projector TVs, there are now many more choices than just the picture-tube sets of your childhood. If you're looking for information about LCD, LED, OLED & plasma TVs, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ TV reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our TV buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider in an LCD, LED, OLED & plasma TV. We also provide unbiased Ratings and TV reviews to help you choose the best television for your needs.

Ratings & recommended TVs

LCD, LED, OLED & plasma TVs (185)

LCD, LED, OLED, and plasma TVs, whether regular HD or Ultra HD, are combined into a single ratings chart to make it easier for you to directly compare their performance and features. They're broken out by screen size, one of the main criteria for selection. TVs with 3D capability are also included since these are standard HDTVs that can display 3D. Many HDTVs with 3D are top performers that are worth considering even if your just looking for a regular HD, if you find them at a good price. And you'll have the option of watching 3D in the future.

In addition to telling you which models have streaming video content from services such as Netflix and Vudu, we're indicating those that have browsers and Flash, which is used by many Web videos. We also note which TVs allow you to connect wirelessly to a home network, a convenience if you don't have a nearby Ethernet jack. Because our survey data showed us that few consumers attach external sound systems, we're putting more emphasis on the TV's sound. Finally, the TV's energy efficiency and motion blur performance are considered in the overall score.Recommended LCD , LED , OLED & plasma TVsLCD, LED, OLED & plasma TV Ratings